标签： Asia

In a landmark achievement for infrastructure development, China has inaugurated its first double-deck cable-stayed suspension bridge, the Tongling Yangtze River Third Bridge, in Tongling city, Anhui province. This engineering marvel, which opened to traffic on November 6, 2025, spans an impressive 11.9 kilometers and serves as the 11th bridge over the Yangtze River in the region. The bridge uniquely integrates expressways, intercity railways, and freight lines, facilitating seamless intermodal transport between rail and water networks. Strategically located, the bridge traverses the Tongling River Dolphin National Nature Reserve and a protected drinking water source area, reflecting its adherence to stringent ecological standards. Authorities anticipate that the bridge will significantly enhance the comprehensive transportation system in the Yangtze River Delta, fostering regional economic growth and connectivity. This project underscores China’s commitment to innovative and sustainable infrastructure development, setting a new benchmark for future endeavors.

The 7th China-Arab States Forum on Radio and Television Cooperation commenced on Wednesday in Chongqing, Southwest China, marking a significant milestone in media collaboration between China and the Arab world. The event drew around 300 participants, including representatives from radio and television authorities, media organizations, international bodies, diplomatic missions, enterprises, and academic think tanks across China and 16 Arab nations.

During the forum, Arab representatives delivered keynote speeches, and participants engaged in extensive discussions on audiovisual content cooperation and technological advancements in the industry. The opening ceremony featured the release of a joint declaration, emphasizing enhanced cooperation in policies, content, technology, and personnel exchanges between China and Arab states.

Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League, praised the forum’s progress in a video address, highlighting its role as a vital platform for fostering friendships and exchanging information, knowledge, and experiences between media leaders and professionals from both regions. He underscored the importance of media in connecting people, particularly in the context of rapid technological and digital advancements, and called for strengthened cooperation to build a new media ecosystem.

The forum also showcased over 50 collaborative achievements in the audiovisual field and announced the winners of the 4th China-Arab States Short Video Contest. Additional highlights included content and technology exchange exhibitions, a concert, media tours, and a drone light show themed on China-Arab cooperation, which illuminated Chongqing’s sky on Wednesday night.

In support of the forum and the upcoming China-Arab States Summit, Chinese and Arab media will continue a selected audiovisual program exchange from September this year to June next year. This initiative will feature outstanding programs from Arab countries on mainstream media platforms in both regions, enriching the viewing experience for audiences and narrating stories of China-Arab friendship and cooperation.

The forum was co-hosted by the National Radio and Television Administration, the Chongqing municipal government, the General Secretariat of the Arab League, and the Arab States Broadcasting Union.

Afghanistan, once responsible for over 80% of the world’s opium supply, has seen a dramatic decline in opium farming since the Taliban imposed a ban in April 2022. According to a recent survey by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the area dedicated to opium poppy cultivation has shrunk by 20% compared to last year, while opium production has dropped by 32%. The Taliban justified the ban by citing opium’s harmful effects and its contradiction with their religious beliefs. Despite severe economic challenges, most Afghan farmers have complied with the ban, shifting to cereal farming. However, poppy cultivation remains far more profitable than legitimate crops, leaving many farmers in dire straits. Over 40% of farmland lies fallow due to a lack of profitable alternatives, limited agricultural output, and adverse climate conditions. The total area under opium poppy cultivation this year is estimated at 10,200 hectares, primarily in the north-eastern region, with Badakhshan province leading. This marks a stark contrast to pre-ban figures, which exceeded 200,000 hectares. Four provinces previously known for opium cultivation—Balkh, Farah, Laghman, and Uruzgan—were declared poppy-free in 2025, highlighting the ban’s scale and durability. However, enforcement has not been without conflict. The Taliban’s efforts to destroy opium fields have occasionally sparked violent resistance, particularly in Badakhshan, where clashes have resulted in casualties. Despite these challenges, the majority of farmers adhere to the ban, though many express frustration over the lack of support for alternative livelihoods. ‘If we violate the ban, we face prison. If we comply, we face destitution,’ lamented an unnamed farmer in Helmand province. While opium production has declined, the UNODC reports a rise in synthetic drug trafficking, with methamphetamine seizures increasing by 50% in late 2024 compared to the previous year. Organized crime groups favor synthetic drugs due to their ease of production and resilience to climate shocks.

In a tragic incident last month, an American man and his teenage son lost their lives after being swarmed by wasps while ziplining at an adventure camp in Laos. Dan Owen, the director of an international school in Vietnam, and his son Cooper were attacked on October 15 at the Green Jungle Park, located near the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang. The duo was descending from a tree at the end of the zip line when the wasps struck, stinging them dozens of times. They were rushed to a local clinic and later transferred to Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital, where they arrived in critical condition. Emergency room physician Jorvue Yianouchongteng reported that Cooper was unconscious and passed away within half an hour, while Dan remained conscious but succumbed three hours later. The doctor attributed their deaths to severe anaphylactic shock caused by over 100 stings, though the exact cause remains undetermined. The Asian giant hornet, known for its aggressive behavior, is native to Laos, but it is unclear which species was responsible. The local clinic and Green Jungle Park declined to comment, and the Laos Foreign Ministry did not respond to inquiries. The U.S. State Department confirmed the deaths but refrained from further comment out of respect for the family’s privacy. Dan Owen’s employer, Quality Schools International, honored him in a Facebook post, praising his 18-year tenure and impact on countless lives across their global network of 35 schools.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is currently experiencing a spell of light to moderate rainfall, as forecasted by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). The weather conditions are expected to continue into Thursday, November 6, with a yellow alert for dust remaining in effect until 9 AM. Residents are advised to take preventative measures and avoid direct exposure to the dusty conditions. The weather is predicted to be partly cloudy to cloudy over the Al Dhafrah region. Additionally, humidity is expected to increase by night and into Friday morning, particularly in coastal and internal areas. Light to moderate northeasterly to northwesterly winds are anticipated, with speeds ranging from 10-25 km/hr, occasionally reaching up to 35 km/hr. The sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea are expected to remain slight. Temperature-wise, Dubai and Sharjah will see lows of 23ºC and 22ºC respectively, with highs of 34ºC. Abu Dhabi will experience a low of 24ºC and a high of 33ºC. Stay updated with the latest weather news by following Khaleej Times on WhatsApp Channels.